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How to Hold the Knife and Fork

Learning to hold the utensils is something that may seem a little difficult, especially if you were taught another way. This way shown is the easy for cutting food and for both Continental and American style forms of dining. (And please remember to keep your elbows by your side.)

Step 1:

Open your hands and have your palms facing up. Place the knife in the right hand and the fork in your left hand. Let half of the handle of the knife and fork rest on the palm of each hand; the remainder rests on the index finger.

Step 2:

Grasp the knife and fork with your three fingers and thumb and flip your hands over. The index fingers should rest along the handles and can be used to give extra pressure to the utensils and to guide them as you cut your food.